Heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego. Atipicidad en orificios de entrada y el fenómeno de ''cola de cometa": Reporte de caso / Gunshot wounds. Atypicality in entry holes and the "comet tail" phenomenon: Case report

El análisis de los orificios de entrada por proyectil de arma de fuego en una autopsia médico legal representa un importante papel en la determinación de la forma y causa de muerte en casos relacionados con armas de fuego. Su valoración puede proporcionar información valiosa sobre las características del arma utilizada, la distancia entre el arma de fuego y la víctima, entre otros factores que contribuyen a la investigación. El fenómeno de ''cola de cometa" observado en ciertos orificios de entrada es poco frecuente y conocido. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este artículo es investigar las características y mecanismos de producción de los orificios de entrada con este fenómeno, proporcionando información sobre su formación, las posibles implicaciones y consideraciones médico legales a tomar en cuenta para su diagnóstico de esta causa de muerte. Se presenta un reporte de caso que destaca la descripción del fenómeno de ''cola de cometa" en una investigación forense de la vida real, proporcionando información valiosa sobre su utilidad y potencial para mejorar la precisión del análisis de heridas de bala. Se realizó revisión de artículos científicos, sobre orificios de entrada en heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego con el fenómeno de ''cola de cometa".

The analysis of firearm projectile entry holes in a medicolegal autopsy plays an important role in determining the manner and cause of death in cases involving firearms. The assessment can provide valuable information about the characteristics of the weapon used, the distance between the firearm and the victim, among other factors that contribute to the investigation. The ''comet tail" phenomenon observed in certain entry holes is rare and well known. Therefore, the objective of this article is to investigate the characteristics and mechanisms of production of the entrance orifices with this phenomenon, providing information about their formation, the possible implications, and medical-legal considerations to be taken into account for the diagnosis of this cause of death. A case report is presented highlighting the description of the ''comet tail" phenomenon in a real-life forensic investigation, providing valuable insight into its utility and potential to improve the accuracy of gunshot wound analysis. A review of scientific articles was carried out on entry holes in gunshot wounds with the "comet tail" phenomenon.

Common Mechanisms of Peripheral Vascular Injuries

Background: The peripheral arteries and veins of the extremities are among the most commonly injured vessels in both civilian and warfare trauma. Traumatic vascular injury is caused by explosions and projectiles which may affect the arteries and veins of the limbs, and is common in wartime, triggering bleeding and ischemia. This study aimed to analyze the common mechanisms of peripheral vascular injuries. Material & Methods: This was a retrospective study and was carried out among 60 cases who attended the vascular surgery department at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), with vascular injury from January 20010 to January 2012. All data were analyzed by SPSS 10 version. Results: In this study, most of the patients (25, 41.6%) were in the 21-30 years age group, followed by 20 patients (33.33%0 were in the 31-45 years age group and the rest 15 (25.0%) patients belonged to 15-20 years age group. Regarding sex distribution, male (48, 80.0%) was more preponderance than female (12, 20.0%). Concerning occupation, most of the subjects (50.0%) were students, followed by businessmen (33.0%) and service holders (17.0%). Regarding the mechanism of injury, most of the patients (25, 41.66%) had bullet injuries, followed by 20 (33.33%) had shrapnel injuries, and the rest 15 (25.0%) patients had blunt injuries. Concerning limb involvement, the upper limb was injured in most of the cases (37, 61.66%), followed by the lower limb (23, 38.33%). Conclusion: In this study, bullet injuries were the commonest mechanism of peripheral vessel injury followed by, shrapnel injuries and blunt injuries.

Ingesta de proyectil de aire comprimido asociado a apendicitis aguda perforada / Ingested air rifle pellet associated with acute perforated appendicitis

RESUMEN Se informa el caso de un paciente masculino de 28 años de edad, con antecedente de ingesta volun taria de proyectil metálico 20 días antes de la consulta, que es admitido en nuestro Servicio con sinto matología típica de apendicitis aguda. En ese contexto se practica una apendicectomía convencional. El análisis de las imágenes preoperatorias y los hallazgos quirúrgicos permiten identificar la asociación entre el cuerpo extraño y la apendicitis aguda. La ingesta de cuerpo extraño, sea voluntario o acciden tal, representa una causa sumamente infrecuente de apendicitis aguda, razón por la cual existen pocos informes al respecto en la literatura mundial; este es el primero en la Argentina.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 28-year-old male patient with a history of voluntary ingestion of a metallic pellet 20 days before who was transferred to our department with typical symptoms of acute ap pendicitis. Under that circumstances he underwent conventional appendectomy. The analysis of the preoperative imaging tests and the intraoperative findings help to identify the association between the foreign body and acute appendicitis. Ingestion of foreign bodies, either accidental or voluntary, is an extremely uncommon cause of acute appendicitis; thus, there are few reports in the international literature. This is the first case reported in Argentina.

Migración de proyectil de arma de fuego en vía urinaria: Reporte de un caso con enfoque Médico Legal / Migration of a bullet from a gunshot wound in the urinary tract: A case report with Legal Medicine approach

Resumen La migración de un proyectil de arma de fuego por la vía urinaria y expulsión espontánea del mismo por el meato urinario es un hecho infrecuente. Se presenta el caso de un masculino de 24 años de edad, quien sufrió herida por proyectil de arma de fuego con orificio de entrada en el muslo derecho, sin orifico de salida, se observó mediante una radiografía el proyectil alojado en la pelvis, dos meses y medio después el paciente se presenta al servicio de emergencias con el proyectil ubicado en la uretra, el cual se extrajo por el meato urinario sin complicaciones. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura sobre migración de proyectiles de armas de fuego.

Abstract Migration of a bullet through the urinary tract and spontaneous expulsion through the urinary meatus is an uncommon event. We present a case of a 24-year-old male, who suffered a gunshot wound with an entry hole in the right thigh, without an exit hole, and the projectile lodged in the pelvis was observed by radiography, two months and a half later the patient presented to the emergency service with the projectile located in the urethra, which was removed through the urinary meatus without complications. A review of the literature on migration of bullet projectiles was made.

A rare cause of foot drop: Tired bullet / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#In some communities, the using of firearms during the celebrations have become a traditional behaviour. Injuries with free falling bullets that named "tired bullet" are increasing in accordance with the increased uncontrolled using of firearms. In the literature, serious disabilities and even deaths have been reported as a result of this rare injuries. We present a patient injured due to tired bullet with foot weakness and headache.

Bilateral complete blindness following globe‑sparing single‑bullet orbital injury.

Traumatic optic neuropathy due to missile injury typically results in unilateral visual loss.[1] We discuss an uncommon case, in which injury from retroocular passage of a single bullet resulted in bilateral orbital perforations, frozen globes, and complete blindness. A 20‑year‑old female presented with bilateral absent light perception detected immediately, following alleged accidental bullet injury. There were no cranial manifestations and sutured skin wounds were visible on the temporal aspects of both the orbits. Bilateral ocular coats were intact with normal intraocular pressure and anterior segments. However, there was bilateral complete afferent pupillary defect and vitreous hemorrhage. Noncontrast computerized tomography (NCCT) imaging revealed multiple orbital and nasal fractures, a bony fragment abutting the right globe [Fig. 1a], and bilateral temporal orbital perforations on reconstructed images [Fig. 1b and c]. The entry wound was left‑sided and slightly lower than the right‑sided exit wound [Fig. 1b and c]. Sonography revealed attached bilateral retinas. The combination of complete afferent and efferent neural dysfunction was attributed to injury of bilateral posterior orbits near the apical region. No ocular intervention was planned due to poor prognoses and absence of any foreign body.

Surgical correction of severe enophthalmos caused by bullet injury.

Ballistic injuries of oral and maxillofacial region are usually fatal due to close propinquity with the vital structures. The severity of injury depends on the caliber of the weapon used and distance from which the patient is shot. The preliminary care of facial ballistic wounds strictly adheres to the basics of trauma resuscitation. Early and appropriate surgical management has proved to be influential on the final outcome and esthetic result. Treatment of facial gunshot wounds should be planned and carried out carefully to avoid esthetic complications. It takes even multiple‑staged corrections to achieve the targeted functional and esthetic treatment plan. Prevention and control of infection is one of the most important goals to achieve the success of the treatment. Herewith, we present a case of facial gunshot injury with fractures in the orbital floor, medial wall maxillary sinus, and buttress of the zygomatic bone causing deficit, which was successfully managed by surgical reconstruction.

Compartment Syndrome Following Arthroscopic Removal of a Bullet in the Knee Joint after a Low-Velocity Gunshot Injury

Gunshot injuries are getting more frequently reported while the civilian (nongovernmental) armament increases in the world. A 42-year-old male patient presented to emergency room of Istanbul Medipol University Hospital due to a low-velocity gunshot injury. We detected one entry point on the posterior aspect of the thigh, just superior to the popliteal groove. No exit wound was detected on his physical examination. There was swelling around the knee and range of motion was limited due to pain and swelling. Neurological and vascular examinations were intact. Following the initial assessment, the vascular examination was confirmed by doppler ultrasonography of the related extremity. There were no signs of compartment syndrome in the preoperative physical examination. A bullet was detected in the knee joint on the initial X-rays. Immediately after releasing the tourniquet, swelling of the anterolateral compartment of the leg and pulse deficiency was detected on foot in the dorsalis pedis artery. Although the arthroscopic removal of intra-articular bullets following gunshot injuries seems to have low morbidity rates, it should always be considered that the articular capsule may have been ruptured and the fluids used during the operation may leak into surrounding tissues and result in compartment syndrome.

Radiculopathy as Delayed Presentations of Retained Spinal Bullet

Bullet injuries to the spine may cause injury to the anatomical structures with or without neurologic deterioration. Most bullet injuries are acute, resulting from direct injury. However, in rare cases, delayed injury may occur, resulting in claudication. We report a case of intradural bullet at the L3-4 level with radiculopathy in a 30-year-old male. After surgical removal, radicular and claudicating pain were improved significantly, and motor power of the right leg also improved. We report the case of intradural bullet, which resulted in delayed radiculopathy.

Clinical Experience of Glioma Surgery Using "Tailed Bullet": Overcoming the Limitations of Conventional Neuro-Navigation Guided Surgery

PURPOSE: Although conventional neuro-navigation is a useful tool for image-guided glioma surgery, there are some limitations, such as brain shift. We introduced our methods using an identifiable marker, a "tailed bullet", to overcome the limitation of conventional neuro-navigation. A tailed bullet is an identifiable tumor location marker that determines the extent of a resection and we have introduced our technique and reviewed the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have developed and used "tailed bullets" for brain tumor surgery. They were inserted into the brain parenchyma or the tumor itself to help identify the margin of tumor. We retrospectively reviewed surgically resected glioma cases using "tailed bullet". Total 110 gliomas included in this study and it contains WHO grade 2, 3, and 4 glioma was 14, 36, and 60 cases, respectively. RESULTS: Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 71 patients (64.5%), subtotal resection in 36 patients (32.7%), and partial resection in 3 patients (2.7%). The overall survival (OS) duration of grade 3 and 4 gliomas were 20.9 (range, 1.2-82.4) and 13.6 months (range, 1.4-173.4), respectively. Extent of resection (GTR), younger age, and higher initial Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score were related to longer OS for grade-4 gliomas. There was no significant adverse event directly related to the use of tailed bullets. CONCLUSION: Considering the limitations of conventional neuro-navigation methods, the tailed bullets could be helpful during glioma resection. We believe this simple method is an easily accessible technique and overcomes the limitation of the brain shift from the conventional neuro-navigation. Further studies are needed to verify the clinical benefits of using tailed bullets.

Bullet embolism of pulmonary artery: a case report / Embolia pulmonar por projétil de arma de fogo: relato de caso

The authors report the case of a patient victim of gunshots, with a very rare complication: venous bullet embolism from the left external iliac vein to the lingular segment of the left pulmonary artery. Diagnosis is made with whole-body radiography or computed tomography. Digital angiography is reserved for supplementary diagnosis or to be used as a therapeutic procedure.

Relatamos o caso de um paciente vítima de tiros por arma de fogo e com uma rara complicação: embolia venosa de um projétil desde a veia ilíaca externa esquerda até o ramo lingular da artéria pulmonar esquerda. Radiografias de corpo inteiro ou tomografia computadorizada do corpo inteiro devem ser utilizadas. Angiografia digital fica reservada para complementação diagnóstica ou como procedimento terapêutico.

Ultrasonic contrast imaging of devitalized tissue area of bullet wounds to pig extremities:an experimental study / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To explore the value of the determination of the devitalized tissue area of bullet wounds in the pig extremities by contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS).Methods A model of bullet wounds to the pig limb soft tissue was constructed with a model 53 smoothbore.The sonographic features of the soft tissue of and around the primary traumatic channel of the pig extremities were observed by routine ultrasound and CEUS and compared with the pathological findings.Results The primary traumatic channel of bullet wounds to the pig extremities produced clearer tubular echoes under routine ultrasonic imaging.The echoes from inside the traumatic channel changed with time.Part of tissue close to the periphery of the traumatic channel presented with a filling defect area except the primary traumatic channel after ultrasonic contrast of the traumatogenic area.The pathological examination revealed devitalized necrotic tissues in the filling defect area while the heterogeneous low potentiation of the tissue around and the most peripheral circular high potentiation of the traumatic channel indicated a degenerative tissue change and a small angiectatic change after CEUS.Conclusions Routine ultrasound may determine the run of the primary traumatic channel in the traumatogenic area of bullet wounds to the pig extremities while CEUS may accurately distinguish the devitalized tissue in the traumtogenic area.The combination of both is bound to raise greatly the level of the treatment and cure of bullet wounds.

A bullet in the maxillary antrum and infratemporal fossa.

A young male patient was shot from a revolver on his left temple from a close range, but surprisingly he survived. On imaging, a complete bullet was found occupying his left maxillary sinus and infratemporal fossa. The bullet, after hitting and breaking the neck of the mandible on the left side, ricocheted and entered the left maxillary sinus through its posterior wall. It was removed safely by a combination of sublabial antrotomy and endoscopic approach.

Caracterización de las lesiones vasculares por tomografía computada (TC) en heridas de arma de fuego: experiencia de tres años en hospital público del sector suroriente de Santiago de Chile / Characterization of vascular lesions in firearm wounds, using computed tomography (CT): three years experience in a public hospital in the southeastern area of Santiago, Chile

Resumen: Objetivos. Conocer las características epidemiológicas y radiológicas en TC, de las lesiones vasculares en pacientes que han sufrido heridas por arma de fuego (HAF), en el servicio de urgencia de un hospital público de Santiago-Chile, en un período de tres anos. Material y método. Revisión retrospectiva de 211 TC realizadas a pacientes ingresados al servicio de urgencia con diagnóstico de HAF entre 31/05/2009 y el 31/05/2012. Se incluyeron pacientes con TC dentro de las primeras 48 horas de ocurrido el evento, excluyendo los pacientes que por su condición clínica, fueron a intervención quirúrgica previa a la TC, obteniendo un N° final de 178. Se analizó la distribución según sexo, edad, tipo de lesión vascular, segmento topográfico afectado, tipo de proyectil y outcome de los pacientes. Resultados. El 96,8 por ciento (n°= 31) de los afectados fueron hombres, 71,8 por ciento menores de 36 años. El segmento más afectado correspondió a las EEII, con un 55,8 por ciento. El tipo de lesión que más frecuente fue el pseudoaneurisma y la hemorragia activa, con un 20,5 por ciento en cada caso. El tipo de proyectil que más frecuentemente se encontró, fueron las balas (65 por ciento) y en la gran mayoría de las veces, sin salida del proyectil. En nuestro grupo hubo un fallecido. Conclusión. Si bien el trauma vascular representa un bajo porcentaje dentro del total de las lesiones por trauma, su extrema gravedad, y por ende necesidad de diagnóstico certero y precoz, explica la importancia del conocimiento y familiarización que los radiólogos deberíamos tener con ese tipo de lesiones. Las extremidades son el principal sitio de lesiones vasculares por herida penetrante, alcanzando hasta el 70 por ciento en nuestro trabajo. En estos casos los exámenes imaginológicos muchas veces son sólo complementarios, porque clínicamente el diagnóstico está hecho, no así en las lesiones de vasos intratorácicos e intra-abdominales, donde las imágenes son indispensables para su...

Objectives. To determine the epidemiological and CT characteristics of vascular lesions in patients who have suffered gunshot wounds, in the emergency department of a public hospital in Santiago, Chile, over a period of three years. Material and Methods. Retrospective review of 211 CT performed on patients admitted to the emergency department with gunshot wounds, between 31/05/2009 and 31/05/2012. Patients with a CT within the first 48 hours after the event occurred were included, excluding patients who for their clinical condition, underwent surgery prior to the CT, obtaining a final number of 178. Distribution was analyzed by sex, age, type of vascular injury, topographic segment affected, projectile type and outcome of patients. Results. 96.8 percent (n° = 31) of those affected were men, 71.8 percent under 36 years. The most affected segment were to the lower extremities, with 55.8 percent. The most frequent type of injury was pseudoaneurysm and active hemorrhage, with 20.5 percent in each case. The type of projectile most frequently found were bullets (65 percent) and the majority, without projectile exit. In our group there was 1 death. Conclusion. Although vascular trauma represents a low percentage of total trauma injuries, their seriousness, and therefore the need for early and accurate diagnosis, explains the importance of the knowledge and familiarity that radiologists should have, with that kind of injury. Extremities are the main site of vascular injury caused by penetrating wounds, affecting up to 70 percent in our sample. In these cases CT examinations are often only complementary because the diagnosis is made clinically; this is not the case in intrathoracic and intraabdominal vessel injuries, where images are essential for diagnosis.

Concept of Gunshot Wound Spine

Gunshot wound (GSW) to the spine which was earlier common in the military population is now being increasingly noted in civilians due to easy availability of firearms of low velocity either licensed or illegal combined with an increased rate of violence in the society. Contributing to 13% to 17% of all spinal injuries, the management of complex injury to the spine produced by a GSW remains controversial. Surgery for spinal cord injuries resulting from low velocity GSWs is reserved for patients with progressive neurologic deterioration, persistent cerebrospinal fluid fistulae, and sometimes for incomplete spinal cord injuries. Surgery may also be indicated to relieve active neural compression from a bullet, bone, intervertebral disk, or a hematoma within the spinal canal. Spinal instability rarely results from a civilian GSW. Cauda equina injuries from low velocity GSWs have a better overall outcome after surgery. In general, the decision to perform surgery should be made on consideration of multiple patient factors that can vary over a period of time. Although there have been plenty of individual case reports regarding GSW to the spine, a thorough review of unique mechanical and biological factors that affect the final outcome has been lacking. We review the key concepts of pathogenesis and management of GSW to the spine and propose an algorithm to guide decision making in such cases.

"Features and treatment of the wounded in ""7.23"" Wenzhou bullet train crash" / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To analyze the injury features of the wounded in the bullet train crash in July 23,2011 in Wenzhou of Zhejiang and explore treatment experience.Methods A total of 177 cases who were injured or died in the 7.23 Wenzhou bullet train crash were involved in the study.The age,gender,injury types,injury regions and injury severity were analyzed by using Trauma Database System V3.0 ( produced by China Trauma Data Center of Third Military Medical University). Results A total of 137 cases were admitted to our hospital within 24 hours after the bullet train crash in Wenzhou.There were 76 males and 61 females,with no significant difference.Of the 137 cases,136 survived and one died after medical treatment.The major injury types included impact injury,crush injury and heavy weight falling injury.Among the 136 survivors,108 cases were with multiple injuries,accounting for 79.4％.The most common injury region of the survivors was the chest,followed by the head and limb.The minimum trauma index (TI) was 5 points and the maximum 27 points.There were 4 cases(3.7％ )with TI ≤9 points,86 (79.6％) with 10-16 points and 18 (16.7％) with ≥ 17 points.Of all,78 cases (72.2％) had ISS score ＜ 16 points and 30 (27.8％) had ≥16 points.The minimum ISS was 3 points and maximum 75 points.There were 40 deaths including the one died after medical treatment,who were all with multiple injuries,with head injury the main cause.ConclusionsThe causes of the bullet train crashes are complicated,with high incidence of multiple injuries.The injury severity is varied,but the overall situation is not serious.Distribution of common injury regions is significantly different between the wounded and the dead.Injury triage,patient transfer and specialist treatment of the wounded should be carried out appropriately during the initial stage of medical rescue based on those injury features after the bullet train crashes.

Retained Intraspinal Bullet: A Rare Case in a Visitor to Malaysia - A Case Report

Firearm injuries to the spine commonly present with acute neurology caused by direct penetration or indirectly from concussive effects of bullet impact on the vertebral column. We report a case of delayed neurologic presentation of retained intra-spinal bullet in a 42 year-old African who had chronic low back pain and sciatica with a past history of gunshot injury to the spine and radiograph revealed a bullet at the L4-5 disc level. Intra-operative exploration showed a fibrous mass around the bullet compressing on the L4 existing nerve root and L5 traversing nerve root. Removal of the retained bullet resulted in a good clinical outcome with complete resolution of symptoms.

Mechanisms of injury and treatment principles of gunshot wounds

Gunshot wounds have been an important source of injury for centuries and continue to occur. The military medical communities have developed standard procedural sequences and principles that may assist and serve as references to the care of civilian gunshot wound patients. In addition to the basic understanding of the wounding patterns and potential extent of the damage caused by the ballistic characteristics of the missile, three principles need to be emphasized in the course of the treatment: timely debridement, delivery of antibiotics, and delayed closure of the wound. Despite recent innovations and improvements in medicine, the three principles still stand, and may assist even surgeons with minimal experience in treating gunshot wounds to achieve reliable results. The situation and environment of civilian medical facilities differ from those of the military in war time, and less invasive and more conservative methods may be attempted in accordance with available resources.

Niosomal drug delivery system: The magic bullet.

The concept of drug targeting or site specific drug delivery was introduced first time by Paul Elrich in 1909, when he reported ‘magic bullet’ to deliver a drug to the desired site of action without affecting the non target organs or tissues (Juliano, 1980) by associating the drug with a pharmacologically “inactive carrier” capable of conveying the drug selectively towards its target cells. The methods of preparation of niosomes such as hand shaking, ether injection and sonication (developed on the basis of liposome production technique) have been reviewed by Khandare et al., 1994. The hand shaking method form vesicles with greater diameter [0.35 – 13􀀀m] as compared to those prepared by ether injection method [50-1000nm]. The film formation method was used for the preparation of the niosomes due to simplicity, reproducibility and high drug entrapment efficiency.

Transthoracic venous bullet embolism: A case report.

Regarding gun shot injury, it is unusual to find the bullet far out of its track. Bullet embolism is a rare phenomenon in which a bullet moves further from the site of entry through the circulation system and lodges in a distant site. We reported a case of transthoracic venous bullet embolism, wherein a bullet penetrated the wall of the right atrium and lodged in the left common iliac vein. The mechanism of bullet embolism (or by which a bullet embolus moves through blood vessels) are discussed briefly and proposed to forensic pathologists.